A guide to building a research career in Japan
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I can see the main campus gate from my office in Hamamatsu, Japan. After two decades in the country, that gate has come to symbolise openness to international researchers.
But that openness is not always obvious. Japan’s research system rewards persistence, professional relationships and local knowledge. Opportunities exist at every career stage, yet those seeking them often miss them because they are poorly advertised or require early, proactive engagement.
Institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University perform well in global rankings. High positions have been possible thanks to decades of steady investment in laboratories, shared facilities and close mentoring structures. But even institutions that do not rank as highly benefit from this investment, offering great options for students and researchers seeking a new study or research challenge in Japan.
A scholarship framework that supports researchers in a range of disciplines is an important gateway into a research career in Japan, organised by the country’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). These opportunities are competitive, but often underpublicised outside Japan. My PhD was supported by a MEXT scholarship. While modest in comparison with PhD scholarships offered in Western countries, it is sufficient for daily life within Japan and, crucially, provides full access to the country’s research infrastructure.
If you have students interested in undertaking postgraduate study in Japan, the following advice is helpful:
• Start searching for scholarships at least a year in advance, ideally by consulting professors at your home institution
• Contact potential supervisors early, with a clear statement of research interests
• Ask current international students about academic and administrative realities.
Postdoctoral research: relationships matter
Japan offers several postdoctoral routes. The best known internationally is the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) postdoctoral fellowship, which supports collaborative research with a Japanese host.
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What is often underestimated is the work required before applying. Identifying a host researcher, aligning research goals and building trust can take months. This effort is not wasted, but helps clarify expectations on both sides.
Industry-funded postdoctoral positions are another distinctive feature of the Japanese system. Close ties between universities and industry create opportunities for applied research with real-world impact. Applicants should, however, clarify conditions around publication, intellectual property and contract length before committing.
Prospective host professors often have more information about the industry-supported fellowships through their network, so I recommend making contact early. Checking the webpage to see if the lab has experience hosting international researchers allows applicants to gauge whether they have experience handling the administrative issues involved. Investigation can also help applicants get accustomed to the lab’s research and introduce themselves to other members of the lab.
It should be noted, however, that short-term contracts are common, and sustaining postdoctoral employment can be challenging. Flexibility and parallel career planning are essential, particularly for international researchers navigating visas and family considerations.
Practical advice for postdoctoral applicants:
• Treat networking as part of the application, not an optional extra
• Allow time to co-develop proposals with potential hosts
• Clarify expectations around outputs, funding continuity and career progression.
Living and working in Japan: everyday realities
Daily life in Japan can be demanding, especially at first. Language barriers, complex administrative procedures and unfamiliar workplace norms require patience.
For example, in Japan, the ability to read between the lines is important. There is even a name for this skill: "Kuuki wo yomu", or "reading the air". For those who expect straightforward, to-the-point, top-down guidance in research, this is rare in Japan. One may often hear the phrase “You did your best!” which should actually be interpreted as “Your results were terrible!”
Also, for those arriving with families, schooling and housing add further layers of complexity. Since it may be difficult to find English schools, navigating through the schooling system in Japanese may feel daunting for those planning to relocate with their families. Still, the generosity and kindness of the teachers can quickly compensate for the language barrier. At the same time, Japanese universities provide strong institutional support such as structured assistance with visas, housing and integration in society.
Professional relationships in Japan also tend to be durable. Collaborations formed during graduate study or early-career research often continue for decades, even when researchers later move elsewhere, in Japan or abroad. Continuity is highly valued, and trust builds slowly but lasts.
Why conferences and societies matter
One of the most accessible entry points into Japan’s research community is participation in academic societies and conferences. Submitting an abstract may seem minor, but in Japan, it is often the first step towards collaboration and visibility.
In my current role supporting diversity, inclusion and international engagement within a national academic society (the Japan Society of Applied Physics), I see steady efforts to make Japanese research environments more open and internationally connected. Progress is gradual, but it is real and easily observed during the national meetings of this and other societies.
Japan’s research system does not always advertise itself clearly. Many opportunities are hidden in plain sight, accessible to those willing to search, ask and persist. For international researchers, success depends less on perfect credentials and more on preparation, relationships and resilience.
For those prepared to invest the effort, Japan offers strong research environments and opportunities to build long-lasting professional networks and become part of a distinctive academic culture that continues to shape careers long after researchers pass through the university gate.
Daniel Moraru is an associate professor at the Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University, Japan.
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